It’s a challenging time for the luxury watch market, with sales dipping in the face of the coronavirus lockdown, new product releases delayed, and trade show Baselworld collapsing. But all this doesn’t necessarily impact the secondary market, and David Hurley, executive vice president for The Watches of Switzerland Group in the United States, says that investment-grade timepieces are still much sought-after: “During Covid, it seems people have doubled down on purchases that hold and grow...
After a period of closure due to coronavirus, Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti, which opened in 2019, and Lefay Resort Garda are now reopening, Dolomiti on 25th June and Garda on 2nd July. Lefay Resorts’ second luxury eco spa resort is constructed in a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Italian Dolomites in the ski area of Madonna di Campiglio, the largest in the Trentino region. The new sustainable mountain resort offers Lefay’s award winning...
The world is becoming more environmentally aware – with aviation embracing carbon-reducing initiatives. From lighter materials in aircraft manufacture, to ground-breaking engine technology and the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), changes are underway that will positively change the impact of aircraft on this planet. By 2050, there is an industry-wide push to halve net CO2 emissions. For private aviation, carbon offsetting is key in reducing carbon footprint. “Carbon offsetting is becoming more visible in...
Leather is the most natural and durable material – and one of Man’s earliest luxuries. But how does the tradition of fine leather work fit into the modern market? The tradition of leatherworking appears to date back to the Stone Age, with Palaeolithic cave paintings depicting people wearing leather clothing and shoes and even building shelters out of animal hide. It was then adopted by the Greeks and the Romans, making leather one of the...
Caviar is the undisputable jewel of the luxury food scene, conjuring up images of expensive hors d’oeuvres served at the finest social functions. But how did these tiny black edible pearls become so prized? The fine delicacy consists of fish eggs, also called roe, harvested from the sturgeon. There are 27 different species of sturgeon, giving us different types, textures, colours and flavours of caviar— although ironically, the flesh of the sturgeon itself is not particularly prized. The most expensive and desirable caviar comes from the Beluga,...
A recent report by Mordor Intelligence estimated that the world’s luxury furniture market is likely to grow by 4.7 percent between 2018 and 2023. The report says that innovations in manufacturing technology, as well as a growing appreciation for the potential of local design, are helping global market leaders to meet the needs of an increasingly demanding luxury furniture market. As major manufacturers expand their offering by acquiring local designers and manufacturers, premium materials such as leather, glass, metal and woods— including mahogany and alder—are all being pressed into...
Savoir has introduced what it calls “the world’s most luxurious bed” for those wanting to push the boundaries of bespoke. The Three Sixty, a hand-crafted rotating bed with leather and maple frame and yak-fibre cover, costs from £250,000. The smoothly curved exterior upholstered in soft leather contributes to a contemporary design, with a flowing sphere birds-eye maple frame encircling the bed to create a sense of symmetry. The arched interior with its Italian Dedar 100%...
Founder of Air Advantage, Andrew Douglas and Marketing Manager, Gillian Johnston answer our questions on why private aviation is a logical step for the time-pressed air traveller. What catalysed the creation of Air Advantage’s spin-off, At Pretium Jet Charter? Andrew Douglas, CEO of Air Advantage and At Pretium Jet Charter: “We weren’t happy with the way the aviation industry was working. I have a military background and precision, making an effort and not accepting lower standards are...
Though hit by high exhibiting prices and some big-name absences, annual watch and jewellery show Baselworld, run this year from March 21st-26th, still commands the attention of the luxury goods market. After a drop from around 2,000 exhibitors to around 600 in recent years, the future of the Swiss show seemed in doubt, and the absence this year of Swatch and all its sub-brands hasn’t done it any favours. However, so long as leading watch brands...
Caviar is basically the fresh and only slightly salted roe of the female sturgeon. The sturgeon is a prehistorical migratory fish that has roamed the cold waters of the northern hemisphere for over 250 million years. Depending on the type of sturgeon, size and weight can vary. Some types (e.g. Huso Huso ‘Beluga’, Acipenser Transmontanus) can grow to over 1980 lbs, while others (e.g. Russian sturgeon, Siberian Sturgeon) average around 130 lbs. Interesting to know...
